Hamilton, Sato, and Button avoid the penalty… not the fine

Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, as well as Takuma Sato have all been summoned by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to answer for their actions from the first practice session.

The three drivers had indeed used the same set of wet tires twice in the same session, which is prohibited by FIA regulations. The three drivers and their respective teams, McLaren, Honda, and Super-Aguri, proclaimed their innocence, not having immediately noticed their mistake.

The FIA has finally decided to fine them €15,000, a drop in the ocean. The drivers themselves will not be penalized, and the championship can continue normally.

The FIA also ordered the teams to hand over to the race stewards the sets of tires used this morning so as not to benefit from the wear carried out during the rest of the weekend.

« In order to prevent one of the drivers from gaining an advantage during the rest of the weekend, each team will hand over their tires to the stewards. » comments the report. »

For his part, Hamilton admitted that the issue was merely a simple misunderstanding.

« It’s a simple procedural error. There are many rules and regulations. It was a silly mistake. »

« The team did a fantastic job, we will continue to push and what needs to happen will happen. » he concluded.